The 2024 Franklin Birthday Celebration took place on
This event took place February 9, 2024 • 9:00 - 11:00 AM ET.

Craftsmanship

Honoring Architect Frank Gehry

2024’s theme of “Craftsmanship” explored how American creators and makers throughout history have shaped our lives.

The annual Ben Franklin Celebration serves as a public “junto” about the important issues that trace a through line from Franklin’s day to our own, followed by a colorful procession through Old City Philadelphia and a ceremonial wreathlaying at Franklin’s grave at Christ Church Burial Ground.

HOST AND MODERATOR:

Daniela Holt Voith
Founding Partner & Director of Design, Voith & Mactavish

PRESENTERS:

• Jay Robert Stiefel
  Author and historian of American decorative arts, on "Franklin and the Pursuit of Craftsmanship"

• Michael Rounds
  President of Williamson College of the Trades, on "Building the Well-Rounded Tradesman: A Legacy Since 1888"

• Emily Edelstein
  Executive director of CraftNOW Philadelphia, on "The Future of Craft Education Is Community-Based"